A Perfect Love

Today is Valentine's Day and, although I'm very thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate love with my husband & family, I can't help but think about the perfect love and care of my heavenly Father. Matthew 6:25-30

I recently had the opportunity to listen in on a conversation between a birth mother and the adoptive family whom she chose to parent her daughter.  The conversation began with the usual updates, but quickly turned to things of the Lord as each expressed how God had been moving and working in their lives over the past couple of years to strengthen their faith.  This was the first opportunity either had really told the other how they felt God's direction in the adoption process and beyond. 

It was amazing to see how the Lord has been working simultaneously, in two families, in two separate states, to reveal many of the same things to each family about His purpose, His plan, and His power!  The conversation gave me chills and I was, once again, reminded of how the Lord loves us and how he cares about every detail of our lives.  There was example after example shared about how God had revealed something through a minute detail or a significant undertaking to these individuals along the journey to adoption.

I wonder how many things we miss in our daily lives around us when we're not looking for His hand in it all? 

The Journey of Adoption Included On A Top 50 Blog List

We were so excited to receive an email from Ken Martin at NursingSchools.net to let us know that they've included The Journey of Adoption on their list of Top 50 Adoption Blogs as a resource!  There are many other blogs listed that are worth checking out and they are categorized to help you find one that could benefit you. 

Just Add 1 Social Worker, 1 Protein Shake, and a Conversation with God

Some days I feel so very inadequate for my job, the challenges that arise daily, and the position in which God has placed me.  This is one of those days that I drove to work drinking my protein shake and talking to the Lord as is my normal morning routine (if you ever pass me in the morning, you can sometimes even find me talking out loud to Him!).  The conversation, on my end, went something like this:

"Really, Lord, what can I do or say to ease the anxiety of waiting for prospective adoptive families or soften the grief of a birth parent's heart who is wrestling with an adoption decision?  Are you sure that this is where you want me? I feel like I have nothing to offer that can make these life situations any easier.  What can I say or do to show people that I care, but can't take this burden from them?" 

And then we met for devotions.  Translation:  And then God gave me His side of our conversation.

Our guest this morning was Rhonda, a volunteer from our local pregnancy center (Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center - Lynchburg, Virginia) who shared very timely insights from God's word for all of us who are "in the trenches" on a daily basis.  She confirmed for me that there is nothing I can say to impact the futures of the folks with whom I work - unless I give them Jesus.

I realize that each day I make mistakes, stumble, may not say the right thing and may not always be perceived in the way that I have intended.  But, if I start the day with the Lord, He can take my weakness - and use me - if I allow myself to become His vessel.

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.  2 Corinthians 12:9

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

Celebrating Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year will be begin on February 3, 2011 and will mark the year of the rabbit.  This is, traditionally, the most significant holiday celebrated in China and is a wonderful opportunity for adoptive families with Chinese children to incorporate aspects of this celebration into your own family traditions.  For families who have adopted from another country, parents can encourage positive cultural identity by finding ways to learn about and celebrate your child's country of origin, as a family.

Adoptive families choose to celebrate in a variety of ways from enjoying Chinese cuisine to attending a local festival or party to taking some time at home to create Chinese New Year Crafts at home.

There's a unique opportunity for families within driving distance to Roanoke, Virginia to attend a Chinese New Year celebration at the Taubman Museum of Art with free admission from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5th.  You can find more details on the Local Colors website!

Looking ahead, the Local Colors Family Festival will be on Saturday, May 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia.  China will be the featured country and it is always a cultural experience with something for the whole family.